Discussion:
Looking to purchase older Toyota Electric 4FBL15, Should I?

We need a second forklift that we use just an hour or two a day
several days a week at our feed store to unload an occasional truck. We found an older Toyota Electric truck model 4FBL15, must be grey market as everything on the truck is Japanese.
It has been professionally maintained and is being sold by a liquidated electrical company. It comes with a charger.
I ran it in the warehouse for a few minutes and all functions work, but there is no way to really tell the life of the battery.
Cost is only $2,000. This model is from the late 80's most likely.
How can I do a quick test on battery and if I did have to find a reasonably priced reconditioned battery for the light use we will have for it, what is the best way to do that. I talked to Toyota regional supplier and they said it is likely that parts are available if needed. What do ya'll think. I have not found anything anywhere near it in price that is in this condition. I prefer to buy from companies that maintained equipment. A lot of small companies or individuals do not. I figure for the price I can't go wrong unless I soon need a battery.
  • Posted 30 Mar 2012 23:46
  • By harleybob
  • joined 30 Mar'12 - 1 message
  • Washington, United States
Showing items 1 - 5 of 5 results.
Will be a forklift truck that was possibly never sold or type approved for the country its now been imported to.

harleybob really needs to ask Toyota if this type / spec of truck was ever sold in the US & if it was what he would need to bring it up to standard to use.

Even simple things like the markings on the data plate & warning decals stuck on the truck can make all the difference.
  • Posted 1 Apr 2012 19:45
  • By Forkingabout
  • joined 31 Mar'11 - 862 messages
  • england, United Kingdom
what do you mean by grey market , is that an imported truck, cant say ive come across that one before ta
  • Posted 1 Apr 2012 17:13
  • By trevb
  • joined 10 Jan'12 - 157 messages
  • avon, United Kingdom
Having worked for a Toyota dealership I would stay away from any grey market trucks. When it comes to getting parts is where you will run into trouble. US dealers do not have access to components that were meant for overseas.
  • Posted 1 Apr 2012 02:30
  • By scot_s
  • joined 10 Jun'04 - 63 messages
  • Michigan, United States
The only problem I see is the grey market issue. If there's no UL plate & everything is in Japaneese, then I'd stay away because of liability issues. If OSHA ever comes in to your place & finds a grey market unit- they'll make you remove it immediately ( I've had some customers have this happen to them). Also- your insurance company won't like it either. It's technically not approved for use in the USA.
  • Posted 1 Apr 2012 01:54
  • Modified 1 Apr 2012 01:54 by poster
  • By bbforks
  • joined 1 Mar'12 - 1,437 messages
  • Pennsylvania, United States
bbforks (at) Hotmail (dot) com
Customers love technology- until they have to pay to fix it!
is there a data plate on battery with make date on anything after 5 years with heavy use might be on its way but ive seen 10 year batteries do a shift.put meter on + _ put hyd against stop eg full tilt drive if poss see how battery drops should stay within 5 v chances are if its been looked after it will be ok , take a chance for light use : )
  • Posted 31 Mar 2012 17:34
  • By trevb
  • joined 10 Jan'12 - 157 messages
  • avon, United Kingdom
monday is the longest day

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